Why Are Some Babies Born Premature? Science Is Trying To Find An Explanation

Having a baby early is extremely stressful for any parent, emotionally, physically, and financially.
So why some babies are born premature?
In 2016, one in 10 infants were born prematurely, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Any baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature, but babies born before 32 weeks are at great risk of serious complications, including permanent disability.
In an email interview with Romper, Dr. Michael Nageotte, a national expert in perinatology and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, explains that most babies born prematurely were either induced because of a medical problem — like preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction — or born spontaneously as a result of uterine inflammation that takes days, weeks, or even longer to develop.
Giphy In the case of medically indicated preterm birth, labor is induced to protect the baby, the mother, or both. "Most important is to discuss with your doctor if you have a history of preterm labor," Dr. Yu tells Romper in an email interview.
As for bedrest, medications that control the frequency of contractions, and even intensive prenatal care, none of it is likely to prevent preterm birth, according to Nageotte.
Obstetrical science has saved countless lives, and yet, when it comes to babies born prematurely, serious questions remain.
Medicine may not be able to explain every case of premature birth, but hospitals can do a lot to care for babies born early.

My mother gave birth to both her children prematurely, and after listening to her stories, I remember clinging to my calendar during pregnancy, counting down the weeks until my baby could safely come into the world. Having a baby early is extremely stressful for any parent, emotionally, physically, and financially. Sadly, there’s not much families can do to prevent it. So why some babies are born premature? Researchers are trying to figure it out, so here’s what science can — and can’t — tell us about foreshortened pregnancies.

In 2016, one in 10 infants were born prematurely, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Any baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature, but babies born before 32 weeks are at great risk of serious complications, including permanent disability. Premature birth is also a leading cause of infant death, per the CDC. In an email interview with Romper, Dr. Michael Nageotte, a national expert in perinatology and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, explains that most babies born prematurely were either induced because of a medical problem — like preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction — or born spontaneously as a result of uterine inflammation that takes days, weeks, or even longer to develop.

In the case of medically indicated preterm birth, labor is induced to protect the baby, the mother, or both. Spontaneous preterm birth, on the other hand, occurs after sudden, unexpected labor. Science still can’t…

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